The simple dignity of Virginia’s traditional rural buildings is well depicted in this country tavern with its dormers and engaged front porch, the latter a characteristic feature of early taverns. The construction date of the Sycamore Tavern in Hanover County is unknown, but it was first recorded as a tavern in 1804 when it was serving as the fourth stagecoach stop on the Old Mountain Road, a historic route between Richmond and Charlottesville in Hanover County. In the mid-19th-century it was known as Shelburn’s Tavern after its preacher/innkeeper the Rev. Silas Shelburn. In this century, author Thomas Nelson Page, a Hanover County native, founded a library here in memory of his wife. Although the building is owned by the county, the Florence L. Page Memorial Library continues to be funded by a trust established by Page and specializes in local history and genealogy.  The Sycamore Tavern is a contributing building in the Montpelier Historic District.